stricken with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stricken with" is a common way to describe a condition or feeling that someone is afflicted with.
For example, "She was stricken with grief when she heard the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ashen, sweaty and stricken with fear.

Independent

Both are stricken with grief.

The Guardian - Books

On May 18 he was stricken with uremia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1959 Godfrey was stricken with lung cancer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later that year, Buford was stricken with typhoid.

The New York Times

P.S. Have the respondents been stricken with Teutonophobia?

The New Yorker

"Because I'm crazy!" screamed the caller, briefly stricken with lucidity.

The New York Times - Magazine

At 51, Rucker was stricken with transverse myelitis.

The New York Times

Only Nicolaus was stricken with H.U.S., Mr. McGowan said.

The New York Times

In April 1943, stricken with malaria, Captain Foss went home.

The New York Times

That same year, his mother was stricken with cancer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stricken with" to emphasize the sudden or severe impact of a negative condition or emotion. For instance, "stricken with grief" implies a more intense and immediate sorrow than simply "feeling grief."

Common error

Avoid using "stricken with" in contexts where the condition is mild or expected. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for gentler phrasing when describing commonplace situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stricken with" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, describing the state of being affected by something, usually negative. It often highlights the sudden or severe nature of the condition, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stricken with" is a versatile phrase used to convey a state of being severely affected by a negative condition or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various reputable sources, including news media and encyclopedias. While suitable for formal writing, it's crucial to avoid overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives like "afflicted with" or "burdened with" can offer variety. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "stricken with" to add emphasis and impact to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afflicted with

Indicates suffering from a condition, often a disease or ailment.

suffering from

A general term for experiencing negative effects from a condition.

burdened with

Suggests being weighed down by a heavy load, whether physical or emotional.

wracked with

Indicates intense physical or emotional pain.

overcome by

Implies being overpowered by a feeling or force.

tormented by

Implies severe mental or physical suffering.

gripped by

Conveys a sudden and powerful impact from a feeling or situation.

consumed by

Suggests being completely taken over by a feeling or thought.

plagued by

Indicates persistent suffering from something troublesome.

beset by

Suggests being constantly harassed or troubled by something.

FAQs

How can I use "stricken with" in a sentence?

Use "stricken with" to describe someone suddenly and severely affected by a negative emotion, illness, or misfortune. For example, "He was stricken with a sudden fever" or "She was stricken with remorse after her actions."

What can I say instead of "stricken with"?

You can use alternatives like "afflicted with", "burdened with", or "overcome by" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "stricken with" in formal writing?

Yes, "stricken with" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the severity of the condition. However, ensure the tone remains appropriate and avoid sensationalizing the situation.

What's the difference between "stricken with" and "affected by"?

"Stricken with" implies a more sudden and intense impact, whereas "affected by" suggests a general influence. For example, someone "stricken with grief" experiences a sharp, overwhelming sorrow, while someone "affected by the news" is influenced by it but not necessarily overwhelmed.